Tyneside through the Ages DVD - Description

Introduced by Robson Green, Tyneside Through the Ages takes the viewer on an historical and nostalgic journey around the Tyneside area.

The story of Tyneside is one of Romans and Normans, coal and ships and of people whose spirit, invention and humour have made them famous around the world.

Discover how the Romans first came to Tyneside and how the area became the most northerly outpost of the Roman Empire. Learn of the Norman influence and of the legacy they left behind.

Tyneside has become influential because of the river Tyne. Ships were built here, coal was exported from here and great bridges span it. Jarrow became famous as the starting point for the marchers who carried the area's hopes to Parliament in the poverty-stricken 1930s and the Armstrong family built a mighty factory here whose guns and tanks were used in some of the greatest conflicts of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The railways are another significant part of Tyneside history with the Stephenson family playing a major role in the industrial revolution both in Tyneside and the nation. The building of the two great rail bridges across the Tyne played a significant role in the development of the celebrated East Coast route to Scotland and by the end of the 19th century, the railways dominated the industrial landscapes on the north and south banks of the river.

Later in the 20th century Tyneside was one of the first cities to develop its own inner city light-railway - the Metro - known and used by almost everybody.

Tyneside has an abundance of Victorian buildings created by the architect John Dobson and a major regeneration project has restored many of these fine buildings to their former glory.

In sport, Tyneside has Premier League team in Newcastle United, whose FA Cup exploits are legendary. You can thrill again to the goalscoring feats of Jackie Milburn and number 9 hero Alan Shearer.

Gateshead on the south bank of the Tyne has the international athletics stadium that has played host to many world class athletes over the years. And Gateshead has another, perhaps infamous, landmark - the car park from 'Get Carter', which is revisited along with other locations from films shot within the region.

The quayside, once buzzing with industrial activity and which fell into disuse in the 20th century, is now shown as an area with vibrant nightlife and new cultural developments such as the Baltic Arts Centre.

Tyneside Through the Ages reflects the character and tradition of an area steeped in history and it makes great viewing for Tynesiders everywhere.